The Message of the Psalms

PSALM 86: BELIEVING & EFFECTIVE PRAYER

This Psalm reveals the strength and discipline of character
that is needed to stand alone and strong in the midst of
severe and persisting persecution. This prayer reveals
David’s own poverty, God’s strength as it is communicated
to him and all of this serving to reveal the power of God to
the World (Vs. 9, 17).

1. The Man of Prayer Revealed (Vs. 1-7).

These verses give us a glimpse into the heart of the
Psalmist and reveal the heart of true prayer in the face of
lonely distress;
• A Sense of need and faith in God’s ability (Vs. 1)
• A Profound Devotion to God (Vs. 2 cf. Psalm
119:94).
• A Consistent Prayer Life (Vs. 3)
• A Single-minded and Optimistic Faith (Vs. 4-7)
o “For unto thee, O Lord…” (Vs. 4).
o “For thou, Lord, art good” (Vs. 5).
o “For thou wilt answer” (Vs. 7).

2. His Lord Revealed Through His Prayer (Vs. 8-

13).
In this prayer of David three titles are used to speak of the
Lord; Elohim (5 times), Jehovah (4 times) and Adonai (7
times). While Jehovah is the title proper of the Lord and
speaks of who he is, Adonai speaks of what he is to the
individual; it expresses belonging (Lord, master). David
praises God for who he is in Heaven (Vs. 8a “among the
gods” does not imply there are but “supposing there
are…”), and for what he does on earth (Vs. 8b).

3. His Strength Revealed through His Prayer (Vs.

14-17).
The form of this Psalm forces us to ask the questions: how
does David’s relationship with God affect his interaction
with life (Vs. 1-8), or how does David’s faith in who God is
affect how he deals with life (Vs. 8-13). David reveals here
the priority of piety; the immediate trials of life do not

2010, Victoria Free Presbyterian Church

 The Message of the Psalms

interfere with David’s big picture; his eternal security. Nor

are the trials of life removed, David’s praise for the
sovereignty of God stands unshaken and while the trials
and threats of life are not removed he prays for strength to
stand (Vs. 16) and, as he remains single-minded (Vs. 4), he
asks for a sign that God stands in his defense (Vs. 17).

2010, Victoria Free Presbyterian Church